ANNAPOLIS, Md. -
Navy lightweight rowing head coach Steve Perry has announced that Joe Federici has joined the staff as an assistant coach. Federici, who will work primarily with the freshman crews, comes to the Naval Academy after spending four years as head coach of the lightweight rowing club team at the University of Delaware.

"I'm very excited to have Joe join our staff," said Perry. "I see him having an immediate positive impact on the development of our plebe crews. I'm most excited to watch Joe's strength as a teacher of oarsmen take hold on our team. His coaching experience, competitiveness and enthusiasm brings a positive and refreshing energy that will fit in great with Navy Crew."

Federici, who is replacing Matt Spalluzzi on the Navy staff, had a successful tenure in his four years at Delaware as he guided the Blue Hens to several titles at some of the sport's top regattas. In 2009 and 2012, he led the team's top crew to gold medals at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships. Federici also mentored Blue Hen crews to several strong showings at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta as in 2009, the top crew took home the gold medal while the first varsity claimed silver at the event this past spring.

In 2011, Federici was named the American Collegiate Rowing Association's Mid-Atlantic All-Regional Coach of the Year. Under his tutelage, several team members have been invited to compete in various USRowing Under-23 National Lightweight team camps.

Federici attended Rutgers University where he was a member of the lightweight rowing team for four years. As a senior in 2004-05, he served as captain and was named the team's most valuable athlete.

After graduating from Rutgers in 2005 with degrees in both history and political science, Federici went on to earn his J.D. from the university in 2008.